NYSB in Southern California

by David VanderWeele  

              So I’ve heard the famous saying, “You can never go home again”, or the multiple variations of this statement expressing a similar point.  Although, I must admit that I personally do not believe this edict to be true.  On the verge of returning home again, all I could really do was look forward with anticipation for a great trip.  However, American Airlines must not have shared my exuberant hope.  After a canceled flight, a two hour unforeseen sight-seeing opportunity of Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, and a seating assignment complete with a teething infant and a bewildered mother, the exuberant hope I spoke of had become severely tested.  My solace offered at the end of the day was the realization that we would eventually touch down in Los Angeles safely, and that my plight on this Airplane was nowhere near as bad as Mr. Howie Mandel’s as he endured countless sneers ranging from, “Deal or no Deal!” to “Where are the Models Howie?”  Good Times.

 

 

              Once off of the plane, the excitement and anticipation returned.  We were in Los Angeles without further incident, everyone had their belongings, and almost all of the instruments were in working order (another courtesy of American Airlines and their fine baggage handlers).  We had arrived much later than anticipated and were looking down the barrel of a pre-6 AM wake up call, however, the treatment we received from members of the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps was first rate (a trend that would continue all weekend long) and we were ready for the real part of our mini tour to start.  In addition, for me and my Billet Chris Ward, we knew our first opportunity for an In & Out Double Double was right around the corner.

 

 

              As stated earlier, Friday was off and running with our arrival at the Ambassador Auditorium bright and early, for the filming of some live TV segments that would be aired on KTLA that morning.  This filming was a two-fold opportunity, as these segments promoted the following day’s concert featuring the New York Staff Band, The Pasadena Tabernacle’s Youth chorus, World renowned Trumpet soloist Allen Vizzutti, and Vocal soloist Annika Scutt, as well as promoting National Salvation Army week in the Pasadena area.  When we finished our live segments, we were blessed with large containers filled with Starbucks Coffee provided by the good people of the Pasadena Tabernacle, and were able to revive ourselves a bit before leading the Morning chapel service for Maranatha High School.

 

 

              After a short rehearsal with Mr. Vizzutti, the Band loaded up and boarded our bus towards downtown L.A. for a lunchtime Rotary meeting at the Jonathon Club.  The band was able to sit down together and enjoy a wonderful lunch, prior to performing for the Rotary members.  The Band played a wide array of music ranging from Goff Richards arrangement of “New York New York”, to John Phillip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever”.  However, the energy from the Rotarians was tough to match as they proved to be an appreciative crowd. 

 

 

              The next item on our itinerary was something that a lot of Band Members were looking forward to.  We were allowed to roam free through Universal Studios after a tour of the numerous movie sets on the back lots of the spacious park.  This treat was provided by the members of the Pasadena Tabernacle Band as they paid the way for the Staff Band members.   Whether your preference was riding a roller coaster, a simulated ride like “Back to the Future”, or wandering around the many shops and restaurants in the park, it was a time of leisure enjoyed by all members of the band.

 

 

              As the night’s concert approached, the Band was hosted by the Glendale Corps, and was provided with a Southern California treat in the form of an authentic Mexican dinner.  Now on an overly full stomach (in most cases), the band performed three short segments of music at the Re-Dedication of the Glendale Corps.  The Concert and awards ceremony was held for Advisory Board and Corps members, as well as prominent Local Officials.  As mentioned, the bands three segments featured such items as Kevin Norbury’s “Variations on Maccabeus”, Peter Graham’s “Call of the Cossacks” and three soloists from the Band.  Deputy Bandmaster Gordon Ward gave a scintillating performance of Steve Bulla’s Cornet solo “Crossroad”, Principal Trombonist Burt Mason elegantly played Peter Graham’s arrangement of “I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked”, and Euphonium Soloist Aaron VanderWeele made a triumphant return home to Southern California and played Peter Graham’s Euphonium Solo “Bravura”.  Special notice was also made to the Staff Band’s Resident Composer Dorothy Gates for arranging the Cadenza of the Euphonium Solo to include just about every British tune known to man.  The crowd was very appreciative and receptive which made the long day well worth while.

 

 

              The following day would be another fully packed day as the New York Staff Band was one of the featured guests at the Southern California Divisional Music Councils.  Musicians young and old came to the Pasadena Tabernacle for a day featuring master classes in a wide array of categories.  Whether your interest was Gospel Choir, Brass Band training, Praise and Worship, or receiving a free Master class from a World class Trumpet Soloist (The amazing Mr. Vizzutti), the option was available for all who attended.  The afternoon culminated with a concert featuring performances from all of the different Musical aspects. 

 

 

              The Evening concert was definitely the marquee event of our stay in Southern California.  As mentioned earlier, the Concert was held at the Ambassador Auditorium and featured the New York Staff Band, the Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus, Allen Vizzutti, and Annika Scutt.  The program was emceed by Ross King of KTLA, and was fantastic from start to finish.  Members of the band not only got a chance to perform pieces like Dorothy Gates “All Glorious” and Ray Steadman Allen’s epic masterpiece “The Holy War”, we had the tremendous opportunity to hear Allen Vizzutti dazzle the audience with performances of Ron Holz’s arrangement of Clifton William’s Trumpet solo “Dramatic Essay” and an awe inspiring performance of Del Staiger’s “Carnival of Venice” played in part with his Trumpet upside down!  We were blessed by the thoughtful performances offered by the Youth Chorus, a particular favorite of mine being Carol Cymbala’s arrangement of “My Life is in Your Hands”.  In addition, the vocal performance by Annika Scutt of Nicole Nordeman’s “Every Season” was a true blessing.  To top it all off, all of the featured groups and individuals came together for a performance “Glorious”, a very fitting ending to a spectacular night.  This concert was indeed one of this bandsman’s favorite and most memorable in my 6 years in the Band.

 

(Photo Courtesy of Ralph Brigman)

             

               Our stay in Southern California came to an end with the Sunday morning meeting at the Pasadena Tabernacle.  The meeting was led by Major Richard Munn, Executive Officer of the New York Staff Band, and the Band was joined in leading the musical portion of the service by the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters.  I must admit that the tone for worship was set early as the large congregation joined the Songsters in singing “Holy Holy Holy”, accompanied by the Staff Band.  In that moment, it was all I could do to thank God for giving me the opportunity to come home again!  This trip for me was much more than a Band trip.  It was a chance to see Family, old friends, and even the opportunity to meet new friends.  It was a blessing that will stay with me for the rest of my life.  In addition, the hospitality we were shown by the members of the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps was second to none.  All in all, I look forward to doing it again some day, and I know that the members of the Staff Band share my sentiment.  Especially the ones who never got to try an In & Out Burger…